This is the second CURE Legislative update of 2025. Stay tuned for periodic updates at key points during the Session, which officially ends on Monday, May 19th.
It’s been two months since Minnesota legislators assembled at the Capitol for the start of session, and after a halting start, we now have a better idea of the legislature’s makeup, state budget forecast, and bill introduction deadlines.
As we shared in our previous blog, CURE is working on a number of key issues this year at the legislature. Here’s how they’re shaping up so far:
Defending our Wins:
In 2023, Minnesota passed the “100% Law,” which requires all utilities to generate or procure 100% of their electricity sales in Minnesota from carbon-free resources by 2040. This law encourages a shift from polluting fossil-fuel-based electricity production to sources of electricity that do not emit carbon dioxide.
As predicted, several bills have been introduced that seek to erode the law. Some bills would delay the implementation of compliance targets—even though the law already includes off-ramps in the event that utilities cannot meet those targets safely or economically. Other bills hope to exempt any out-of-state generation from compliance requirements. Another subset of bills explicitly names certain types of generation as “carbon-free,” including one bill that would name biomass as a “carbon-free” source of electricity—despite the fact that burning biomass literally emits carbon. Watch CURE’s testimony on this bill here. Some bills have even tried to expand their scope and include the promotion of false solutions, like carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration.
CURE has testified against bills that seek to weaken this important law and will continue to advocate for strong implementation that does not encourage further development of technologies that do not support our goals for a quick and just transition to clean energy generation.
Supporting Zero Waste Initiatives:
As a Minnesota Zero Waste Coalition member, CURE supports legislative efforts to address the waste crisis and its effects on rural communities. So far, several of the Coalition’s bills have been introduced. We’re most excited about SF 1690/HF 1426, which creates a system for 100% recycling of electronic waste. As folks in rural places know, our communities often host landfills, which can harm the health of those living nearby and the environment. Electronic waste presents a uniquely difficult and, at times, dangerous situation—lithium batteries & fires, etc. Access to quality recycling programs is also limited in rural areas, meaning that even when folks want to be part of the solution, they often can’t. CURE has submitted testimony supporting the E-waste bill and looks forward to its passage.
Protecting Public Lands and Waters:
CURE has always prioritized the health of our public lands and waters to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of the natural world. At the Capitol, we support efforts to mitigate the impacts of off-highway vehicles (OHV) and new OHV trails, increase funding for our Scientific and Natural Areas, and protect and improve water quality throughout the state.
CURE wants water legislation that ensures real, measurable improvements in water quality. Unfortunately, the existing Minnesota Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) has not demonstrated measurable improvements, in part because of the absence of accountability measures and the ineffectiveness of increased enrollment in improving water outcomes. That’s why we’re opposing HF 363, which would provide a $5/acre Minnesota Property Tax Credit for agricultural producers certified under the MAWQCP. Watch Lori Cox, CURE Board Member and owner of Roots Return Heritage Farm, testify against this bill.
Data Centers:
Although CURE anticipated interest in data centers, we’ve been surprised by Big Tech’s dedication of significant lobbying resources at the legislature this year. At least 10 new data centers are being proposed for Minnesota, including a Meta-owned facility in Rosemount and an Amazon-owned facility in Becker. CURE has been engaged on two bills in particular—one that seeks to expand the existing tax credit for hyperscale data centers (HF 1277/SF 769) and a second bill that seeks to exempt polluting diesel “backup generation” from the typical certificate of need process (HF 28/SF 1393). Read more about CURE’s concerns about HF 28/SF 1393 here, and hear our testimony on why Big Tech billionaires don’t need more tax breaks here.
CURE continues to advocate for the state to slow down and take the time to develop meaningful parameters under which data centers can operate and where they might be placed.
Net Metering:
Since 1983, Minnesotans with solar arrays under 40 kilowatts on their homes, small businesses, and farms, have been able to be credited by their electric utility on their electricity bills at the retail rate for the solar power their array generates and delivers to the grid. While the system isn’t always perfect, at CURE we believe the benefits of this system outweigh any drawbacks. We are opposed to approaches to get rid of net metering like those found in SF 1142/HF 845. Instead, we’re advocating for the legislature to slow down and commission a study that could, among other things, identify specific concerns with the existing program, collect necessary information about those issues, and analyze potential solutions. Watch our testimony about the bill here.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF):
SAF, like data centers and green ammonia, is a hot topic at the legislature this year. Proponents see SAF as an essential way to reduce emissions in the aviation sector. CURE is concerned that the environmental benefits of SAF are still uncertain, and we continue to consider whether and how the SAF market might work for Minnesota. We have, however, submitted testimony opposing the extension of tax credits for SAF to the extent that this would encourage further production of corn ethanol. While corn has become an important part of many rural communities and economies, we cannot ignore its impact on water and soil quality, biodiversity, and human health.
Rise & Repair:
It’s not all business at the Capitol, though! In early March, CURE participated in/co-hosted the Rise & Repair Rally Day. This is the third year the Rise & Repair Alliance has organized this event to raise awareness and advocate for the Alliance’s Priorities. Several CURE staff members attended and shared information about our priorities with other attendees and legislators.
By Sarah Mooradian, Government Relations & Policy Director
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Photo Credit: Andy Pearson, Senior Organizer, False Climate Solutions
